Hello, friends! I am so sorry for the radio silence of late! I was in Connecticut this past weekend celebrating my sister’s graduation from college, and then took the train into New York City yesterday to tour the National Stationery Show! I saw tons of pretty paper and met so many kind and talented designers. I wanted to share a little something here to tide you over until regular posts return!

I loved Rifle Paper Co’s numerous new products, including a 2012 calendar similar to this citrus fruit print.

Printerette was another favorite — their cards were so cute! Plus, they’re based in St. Paul, like one of my sisters, so we had an instant connection. Jam cards here, confetti invite here.

Very snappy stuff from Fig. 2 Design Studio. It was her first year at the show, and her blog posts leading up to it really show how much work goes into exhibiting! I also loved her cards, though those haven’t debuted on her site.

Lastly, I was thrilled to stop by Linda & Harriet — always a favorite of mine. They debuted the coolest oversize watercolor calendar for 2012. Considering I just bought this birthday calendar for my Mom for Mother’s Day, I was a fan.

More soon!

‘Tis the season for showers of all sorts, don’t you think? Rain showers, of course, but also bridal and baby. Right now, I’m loving late breakfast gatherings. (And for the record, when my time comes, something that looks just like this would be pretty perfect. Or an afternoon tea. Ahem.)

As I see it, the key to carrying a breakfast off to fabulous effect is to make everything miniature, and to package it individually. To whit:

LOVE these little bites via The White Library (photography by Lauren Blair, styling by Frilly Milly Events). The milk bottles are actually Starbucks individual frappucino bottles (the kind you buy at the grocery store) ran through the dishwasher! The plastic cups used for the fruit and French toast are genius, too — they look great, but couldn’t have been very expensive.

Individual muffin tin quiches!

Individual pancakes with name tags via Design*Sponge (photo by Our Labor of Love, styling by Ashley Meaders)

Individual donuts and coffee via Going to the Chapel tumblr

Homemade biscuits with flavored butters (recipes at Southern Living)

To wash it all down, mini lemonade with striped straws! (Photo by Nicole Hill Gerulat, styling by ACME Party Box)

To keep guests occupied, a custom crossword a la Martha.

What do you think — do you love breakfast, or would you prefer another type of food at a party in your honor? Desserts? Tea? Appetizers? Let me know!

I think this boutonniere tied off with oversized striped ribbon is so cheerful and debonair! The ribbon pattern seems to minimizes the impact and importance of the flowers, which could be great if you’re working with a small floral budget. What do you think?

Photo c/o Kate McPherson

As I was putting this inspiration board together I was reminded of this poem, one of my favorites. This mix of beautiful soft sunrise colors would be perfect for a wedding ceremony at daybreak — or, at least, on a summer morning :) The best part? An early ceremony leaves the rest of the day to celebrate.

The Details

First row: sneaker-wearing bride photo by Brancoprata via Style Me Pretty, antique bottle photo by Millie Holloman (styling by Salt Harbor) via SMP, pink salt photo by Kate Headley via Ritzy Bee

Second row: cocktail hour lanterns photo by Steve Steinhardt (styling by Beth Helmstetter) via Style Me Pretty, preppy gent photo by Allyson Magda (styling by Jill LaFleur) via SMP, parasol bridesmaids photo by Brancoprata via Style Me Pretty

Third row: blue menu photo by Jose Villa (styling by Beth Helmstetter), pale bouquet photo by Allyson Magda (styling by Jill LaFleur) via Style Me Pretty, rocking chair porch photo by Leila Brewster via SMP